Within an R&D structure independent of the Roche Group, Chugai Pharmaceutical is aggressively pursuing the creation and introduction of new development themes that exploit Chugai's unique network of connections with domestic and overseas academia and advanced venture companies.
Synergistic Effects in R&D due to Cooperation with Roche
As a most important member of the Roche Group, Chugai Pharmaceutical carries out close information exchange within the group. Sharing of R&D portfolio management information enables us to avoid R&D duplication within the Roche Group. Furthermore, co-development and strategic coordination in the derivation and introduction of development candidates have improved the efficiency of our R&D. We have also been preparing structures capable of pursuing even greater innovation by actively implementing personnel exchanges and the co-utilisation of basic drug-discovery technologies.
Antibody Drug Development
The development of antibody drugs is accelerating around the world. Based on the biopharmaceutical drug development know-how accumulated so far, Chugai Pharmaceutical has been developing a unique genomic antibody-drug discovery strategy aimed at promoting even greater R&D innovation, early commercialisation and the discovery of next-generation antibody drugs.
Glossary
- Information Exchange
- Chugai Pharmaceutical and Roche hold regular Joint Research Committee and Joint Development Committee meetings, and regularly exchange information related to R&D in each country and region. This information exchange can be expected to shorten new-drug development periods, enable mutual utilisation of clinical data, etc.
- R&D Portfolio Management
- This refers to the study and implementation of the optimal allocation of management resources to R&D projects, for the commercialisation of new drugs. Adjustments to maximise portfolio value and to appropriately balance investments are important. The set of development plans that are actually being realised is called the "development pipeline".
- Biopharmaceutical Development
- Chugai Pharmaceutical built up know-how in the field of biopharmaceutical drugs through its development of Epogin® and Neutrogin®. Epogin®, a recombinant human erythropoietin preparation, is our flagship product in the renal field. As a treatment for renal anaemia, it has become the backbone of our prescription drug sales. Neutrogin® is an anti-neutropenia drug used for supportive therapy in the oncology field.
- Genomic Antibody Drug Discovery
- Chugai Pharmaceutical has been working on drug development using genes as a drug discovery tool since the 1980s and has incorporated the new concept of "genomic antibody drug discovery" (as distinct from standard "genomic drug discovery") into its approach to antibody drug development. This concept combines the platform technologies we developed previously - antibody engineering, embryological engineering, drug design, protein drug product manufacturing, etc. - with antibody drug discovery.
